Dignity Health: Treating Aortic Valve Stenosis in Arizona

Aortic valve stenosis is a common and very serious condition that causes the heart valves to become narrowed or blocked. These valves control the flow of blood as it leaves the heart. People with this condition are at risk for heart failure because aortic valve stenosis causes the heart to work much harder than normal.

If you or a loved one has symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or easy fatigue, see an experienced cardiologist at Dignity Health for a diagnosis. We offer treatment for many heart conditions, including aortic valve stenosis, in Arizona. For the cardiology services you need, call 1.855.448.3729 or Find a Doctor online at Dignity Health today.

Symptoms of Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis takes years to develop. You may not notice symptoms if you have a mild case. As the condition worsens, symptoms may include: 

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Becoming easily fatigued
• Heart murmur
• Fainting
• Tightness or pressure in the chest
• Heart palpitations (feeling of pounding or noticeable heartbeats)

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, meet with a cardiologist at Dignity Health for a diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Causes of Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis may develop from: 

• Congenital heart defect, which results when the valve leaflets develop improperly
• Rheumatic fever, resulting in scarring to the aortic valve
• A buildup of calcium on the valve, causing stiff leaflets and a narrowed valve opening

Aortic Valve Stenosis Treatment

At Dignity Health, our cardiology teams choose minimally invasive surgery whenever possible, to repair damage to aortic valves. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary to effectively treat the problem. During an open procedure, your surgeon will make a large incision in your chest to access the heart and replace the damaged valve with a new, artificial one. 

If you are eligible for minimally invasive surgery, your surgeon will perform a procedure known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Your surgeon will make a small incision in the femoral artery in your groin and will guide a flexible tube, called a catheter, to your heart to the valve and make the repair.

If your aortic valve stenosis is not severe, your doctor may not perform surgery. Instead, you may be advised to avoid any type of strenuous activity and given medications to help ease symptoms.